1974 Language

In 1974, the Institute of Ecotechnics convened a weekend conference at Synergia Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, exploring the theme of Language. Invited speakers included novelist William S. Burroughs, linguist Dr. Henry Truby, and Naval Commander William van Meter.

William S. Burroughs read from and discussed his story The Mayan Caper, in which he explored the relationship between language, power, and systems of control. Drawing on the metaphor of Mayan priests and their mastery of the calendar, Burroughs examined how language and what he called the “Reality Studio” can shape perception and reinforce systems of authority. He proposed that understanding and deconstructing these systems is essential to achieving greater freedom.

Dr. Henry “Hank” Truby, an early pioneer in human-dolphin communication research at the Miami Seaquarium, discussed the challenges of interspecies communication. Drawing on his work in linguistics and technology, he also described emerging methods for identifying and tracking individual voice and speech patterns.

Commander William van Meter drew on his experiences in Asia to discuss the importance of the abacus in Chinese culture. Developed more than a thousand years ago, the abacus transformed the handling of complex calculations and supported commerce, planning, and infrastructure long before the development of computers and the internet.